White House: Boots-on-Ground in Iran Not Ruled Out

Military Operations to End When Objectives of 'Epic Fury' Achieved

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. has not ruled out sending troops to Iran, and that military operations in the Persian Gulf nation would end once the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are achieved. Leavitt provided updates on the U.S. military's progress, including the use of B-2 bombers to strike missile sites and the crippling of Iran's naval capabilities.

Why it matters

The remarks come amid an escalating security situation in the Middle East, with Iran retaliating against U.S. military bases, embassies, and infrastructure in neighboring Gulf nations. This has caused significant disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The details

Leavitt told reporters that the U.S. military has made 'tremendous strides' in achieving the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, including a 90% reduction in Iran's ballistic missile attacks and an 85% drop in drone attacks. The U.S. has also destroyed more than 50 Iranian naval vessels and crippled the Iranian navy's combat capabilities. Additionally, B-2 bombers have been used to strike deeply buried missile sites in Iran.

  • On Tuesday (March 11, 2026), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the remarks during a media briefing.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary.

Richard Blumenthal

A Democratic Senator who expressed concerns about the possibility of U.S. troops being deployed to Iran.

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What they’re saying

“As for boots on the ground, the President has talked about this repeatedly; wisely, he does not rule options out as Commander-in-Chief. So again, I would hesitate to confirm anything that a Democrat on Capitol Hill says right now about the President's thinking.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“We seem to be on a path toward deploying American troops on the ground in Iran to accomplish any of the potential objectives.”

— Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator (The Hill)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.